Breast Reduction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Tampa and Lakeland, FL

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess tissue from the breasts to reduce their size and weight. Formally known as reduction mammoplasty, this procedure can alleviate chronic neck and back pain, reduce skin irritation, and restore a more proportionate appearance. (1)

Dr. Jacob Gerzenshtein is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon at Finer You who is board-certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He has a strong reputation in the Tampa area for providing transformative yet natural-looking results that enhance each patient’s inner beauty. With more than 20 years of experience and over 15,000 performed procedures, Dr. Gerzenshtein brings a high level of expertise and knowledge to every treatment.

To get started, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Gerzenshtein online or call our office directly at (863) 647-2200.

Before and After Photos

Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #16002
Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #16002
Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #11607
Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #11607
Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #11596
Breast Reduction Before & After Patient #11596
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About Breast Reduction

Breast reduction removes excess tissue to create smaller, lighter, and more proportionate breasts to help alleviate chronic pain and improve one’s appearance. Breast reductions continue to be a popular procedure, with more than 76,000 procedures performed in 2024 alone. (2) Dr. Gerzenshtein is experienced in a variety of different breast reduction techniques and customizes each procedure to the individual.

Benefits

Benefits of a breast reduction include:

  • Alleviated Discomfort: Reducing the size and weight of your breasts can help alleviate physical discomfort or chronic pain in the back, neck, or shoulders.
  • Improved Posture: Many patients notice a significant improvement in their posture after eliminating excessive weight from their chest.
  • Reduced Skin Concerns: Breast reduction can reduce irritation, chafing, or rashes beneath the breasts and around the bra line.
  • Enhanced Mobility: With smaller breasts, it is easier and more comfortable to move and exercise
  • Better Clothing Fit: After your procedure, you may find that certain styles of clothing look and fit better, allowing you to wear garments and styles you may not have felt comfortable in before, and enjoy shopping more.
  • Elevated Self-Esteem: Many patients report feeling more confident and at ease after seeing the result of their breast reduction.
  • Long-Lasting Results: The results of breast reduction are generally permanent (given that you maintain a stable weight), allowing you to enjoy your renewed appearance for years to come.

Candidates

Candidates for a breast reduction often include patients who are interested in reducing the size of their breasts to help alleviate discomfort and improve their figure.

Anyone interested in undergoing a breast reduction should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations for their results. Patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Gerzenshtein will determine each patient’s candidacy during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

Before undergoing your breast reduction, you will need to attend a personal consultation at our office. During this consultation, Dr. Gerzenshtein will ask a series of questions about your medical history, current prescriptions, concerns, and desired breast size. He will also perform a physical examination to determine the best approach.

To schedule this consultation, please fill out our online contact form or call our Lakeland office directly at (863) 647-2200.

Preparation

Dr. Gerzenshtein will provide a set of personalized preoperative instructions to help you prepare for your breast reduction. These instructions will differ for each patient, but following them closely will ensure a successful procedure and smooth recovery.

  • Discontinue blood-thinning medications or supplements
  • Fill any necessary prescriptions ahead of time
  • Plan to take time away from your job and other commitments
  • Arrange transportation home after your procedure
  • Cease alcohol and nicotine use

Procedure

The breast reduction procedure begins with the cleansing and sterilization of your skin before anesthesia administration. Once Dr. Gerzenshtein has prepared the treatment area, he will begin placing incisions using either the Wise Pattern, the Passot Pattern, or the vertical reduction technique.

  • Wise Pattern: The Wise Pattern, also known as the inverted-T pattern, circles the areola, extends vertically down the breast, and then continues horizontally beneath the breast crease. This technique best suits more extensive corrections and is the more common approach.
  • Passot Pattern: This incision circles the areola and then runs horizontally across the breast crease. This approach avoids the appearance of a visible vertical scar on the lower breast, but it may limit the degree of possible reduction due to more limited tissue access.
  • Vertical Reduction: This technique is also known as the “lollipop lift,” and best serves patients who require only mild levels of correction. This pattern circles the areola and extends vertically down the breast.

After making the selected incision, Dr. Gerzenshtein will remove excess tissue and fat from the breasts, while also reshaping and repositioning them. He may also reposition and reshape the nipple-areolar complexes to provide more cohesive results.

Recovery

When recovering from a breast reduction, you can expect to experience tenderness and mild swelling in and around your breasts. These effects will dissipate on their own. During this time, Dr. Gerzenshtein will require you to wear a specialized compression garment to minimize swelling and protect your breasts as they heal.

You will likely be ready to return to work within two weeks, depending on the nature of your job. You will need to continue avoiding any high-impact or physically demanding activities until Dr. Gerzenshtein approves.

You will receive additional recovery guidelines during your consultation.

Results

Many patients notice a near-immediate improvement in neck, back, and shoulder pain. After a full recovery, you will be able to fully enjoy the results of your breast reduction. Results look very natural, and scarring can be easily hidden beneath swimsuits and revealing clothing.

Breast reduction elicits very high satisfaction rates, with more than 95% of patients saying that they would undergo this procedure again. (3) The results of breast reduction are generally permanent, but you should adopt healthy lifestyle habits to preserve them; significant weight fluctuations can impact results.

Corresponding Procedures

Breast Lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that elevates the position of the breasts on the chest wall. Dr. Gerzenshtein’s breast reduction incorporates breast lift techniques, as most breast reduction patients need some degree of lifting in order for results to be flattering and natural.

Tummy Tuck

Many patients who undergo breast procedures also undergo a tummy tuck, especially if they have lost a large amount of weight or have been pregnant in the past. This procedure removes excess skin and repairs separated muscles for a smoother, flatter look.

Cost of Breast Reductions in Tampa and Lakeland, Florida

Dr. Gerzenshtein designs each breast reduction around the patient’s specific anatomy and concerns. His breast reduction procedure fees begin at $9,500, but factors such as the surgical technique, the extent of correction, the quality and condition of your breast tissue, and more can all affect the final pricing of your procedure. After establishing your treatment plan, Dr. Gerzenshtein will provide a comprehensive cost estimate.

Finer You offers financing options to make your goals more accessible; our patient coordinators can help you explore these options when you visit our office.

To learn more about the cost of your procedure, we encourage you to either request a consultation online or call our office directly at (863) 647-2200.

FAQ

Who is a good candidate for a breast reduction?

Candidates for breast reduction are typically patients who are experiencing chronic pain, skin irritation, self-consciousness, or mobility issues due to the size of their breasts. Dr. Gerzenshtein will determine each patient’s eligibility for breast reduction during their consultation.

Can undergoing breast reduction affect my ability to breastfeed?

Undergoing a breast reduction may affect your ability to breastfeed, depending on the surgical technique. While many women can retain their ability to breastfeed, we recommend that you finish planning your family before undergoing this procedure.

Will there be any visible scarring after my breast reduction?

As with any surgical procedure, some scarring is inevitable. Dr. Gerzenshtein places each incision carefully to help minimize scar visibility post-procedure. Any scarring typically fades and improves over time with proper care.

Can I combine my breast reduction with another cosmetic procedure?

Yes, you can combine your breast reduction with another procedure for more comprehensive results. During your consultation, Dr. Gerzenshtein can provide personalized suggestions based on your aesthetic goals.

How long is the recovery for a breast reduction?

Patients can expect a recovery time of about two weeks, although they will need to refrain from strenuous activities for longer.

References

  1. Sachs D, Hattingh G, Szymanski KD. Breast Reduction. Nih.gov. Published August 6, 2025. Accessed August 28, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/#article-18593.s4
  2. ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  3. Faulkner HR, Merceron T, Wang J, Losken A. Safe Reproducible Breast Reduction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2023;11(9):e5245. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005245